Conservatives: Defenders of the Arts

So apparently we had it all wrong... this from Heritage Minister James Moore:

"We often talk about arts and culture building value in communities and building networks and so bringing creativity."

Do they?

Anyhow, the whole article is here. At least he's promising no cuts to Arts and Culture. Perhaps just some "reallocation".

Conservatives: Defenders of the Arts

Listen...

The CBC doesn't record as many ESO concerts as they used to (it seems), but when they do, at least you can listen any time you want online.

Here's a concert from this past September, conducted by William Eddins and featuring Nikki Chooi, Joshua Roman and DaXun Zhang.

And while looking at the above page I noticed a link to a recording from last April of former ESO composer-in-residence John Estacio's piece The Houses Stand Not Far Apart, written for a Richard Eaton Singers performance.  I'm listening to it right now, and I have to say, it's quite wonderful!  I missed my chance to hear it live last year, but I have the funny feeling that it won't be my last chance...

Listen...

The concert I've been most looking forward to this season is finally upon us - the Sci-Fi Spectacular with George Takei.  I'm a sci-fi fan and a soundtrack fan, so this is the perfect combination for me.  It will be a big show - lots of performers, a laser light show, and even a costume contest!  (Get to the Winspear lobby by 7:30 this Friday and Saturday to participate or just to watch...)

And then there's George Takei, who has become one of the busiest former cast members of any of the Star Trek series.  Aside from becoming an unexpectedly prominent figure in California's gay marriage battle, he's an announcer on the Howard Stern Show and came in 3rd on the reality show I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! ... not to mention frequent guest appearances on the show Heroes and many, many voiceover spots in video games and cartoons like The Simpsons and Futurama ... and the recently announced spot in Star Wars: Clone Wars.  Have I missed anything?  Yes, lots, I'm sure.

"Microsoft, huh? So it's pretty easy to use?"

There's a reason everyone loves to hate Microsoft, and this is one of them:

(edit: found the video on youtube, so posted it here)

Microsoft Songsmith

"Microsoft, huh? So it's pretty easy to use?"

January 9 & 10 Masters video preview

In this video, ESO Principal Harpist Nora Bumanis talks about Debussy's Danses sacrée et profane which she performs on January 9 & 10. Tickets here.

January 9 & 10 Masters video preview

2009

We'll start 2009 off with a music video: 


Lernert Engelbert & Saunder Plug

According to the artists on their website:

Commit and dedicate yourself to even the most stupid ideas that come to mind. We built a duo glass harp and learned to play this 18th-century musical instrument in less than 8 weeks. Instead of a classical piece or suchlike, we have chosen the classic 20th-century pop song ‘No limit’ by 2unlimited — easily the worst song ever!

2009